Bugatti Creates 'Le Retour du Jeune Prince' W16 Mistral via Sur Mesure Program
A Bugatti collector's personal story inspired a one-of-a-kind W16 Mistral roadster, themed around the moon and stars, handcrafted through the Sur Mesure program.
- 2023
What Happened
The Bugatti W16 Mistral 'Le Retour du Jeune Prince' was created for a passionate collector who loves the moon and was inspired by the literary work 'Le Retour du Jeune Prince,' a personal continuation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's story. The journey began in October 2023 when Bugatti's Sur Mesure team met the client to explore creative directions, translating the concept into a visual language where the moon and earth play essential roles.
- A bespoke copper-bronze paint with gold undertones, inspired by earth and moonlight.
- Hand-applied silver star constellations on the rear flanks and upper wing surface, revealed when the aerodynamic brake deploys.
- Two-tone leather interior in Terre d'Or and Driftwood with embroidered moon and stars on door panels and headrests.
- A miniature silver rose embedded in the gear lever, created from a 3D scan of a real flower.
- Copper brake calipers and gold-accented Bugatti Macaron on the grille.
Why this matters
This unique vehicle showcases Bugatti's Sur Mesure program, which allows customers to co-create deeply personal cars, blending heritage with individual imagination.
Terms in This Story
- Sur Mesure
- Bugatti's bespoke customization program that allows clients to personalize their vehicle extensively.
- W16
- A 16-cylinder engine configuration arranged in a W shape, known for high performance.
- Aerodynamic brake
- A movable rear spoiler that increases downforce to aid braking at high speeds.
- Roadster
- A two-seat convertible car with an open top.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.